Phill Jupitus joins Urinetown from 1 December

Comedian Phill Jupitus (pictured) is set to add to his musical theatre CV when he joins the cast of Urinetown The Musical next month.

Jupitus, whose previous stage credits include Hairspray and Spamalot, is taking over the role of Caldwell B Cladwell from Simon Paisley Day from 1 December to 24 January.

Also joining the cast on 1 December are Julie Jupp, taking over from Jenna Russell as Penelope Pennywise, and Alasdair Buchan, taking over from Marc Elliott as Mr McQueen.

Jupitus told the Evening Standard his break in musical theatre came when West End casting director David Grindrod watched him on Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

"I've always quite liked musicals as a punter but I don't think I even thought about being one until David Grindrod got me in to read a part for The Woman in White. I said to him 'why did you call me in?' and he said 'you can hold a tune'. I said 'how do you know?' and he said 'I watch Buzzcocks.'"

Written by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis, Urinetown is set in a Gotham-like city of the future, where a hero leads the people in an uprising against private toilets.

The West End production, which transferred to the Apollo Theatre after originating at the St James, is directed by Jamie Lloyd and designed by Soutra Gilmour, with choreography by Ann Yee, lighting by Adam Silverman, sound by Terry Jardine and Nick Lidster and musical supervision by Alan Williams.

All other casting will remain the same from 1 December, including Matthew Seadon-Young as Bobby Strong, Jonathan Slinger as Officer Lockstock, Nathan Amzi as Officer Barrel and Rosanna Hyland as Hope Cladwell.